The Perils of New Zealand Pygmyweed!
Japanese Knotweed comes to mind whenever we think of an invasive plant species, but, how many of you have heard of New Zealand Pygmyweed? This is something I need to consider whenever I start out on a project as Principal Designer. It’s not just the end-user risks or the demolition of a building, but it’s also the significant risks that a competent contractor may be subjected to. These are specialist, and niche risks that many competent, and professional contractors may not identify.
As a Principal Designer I’m not expected to know every little specialist detail, and it was from an ecologist that the New Zealand Pygmyweed was brought to my attention. It’s a bit like being the President of the United States and being surrounded by your advisors on a whole array of topics. It’s pretty much the same, you just need to ensure they understand what you do.
Identifying this stuff early on in the RIBA Plan of Work and that may well be at Stage 1 or 2 is crucial as this is where a change in design doesn’t become expensive. Of course this in incumbent on the client appointing you in good time, which doesn’t usually happen.
The weed originated from Australia and New Zealand : it was introduced to the UK in 1911 to help oxygenate ponds, but has rapidly expanded. It can form very densely and cause flooding. It can also have a negative impact on the aquatic ecological balance. It’s a tough little weed, netting its way across wetlands and potential development projects. It covers vast swathes of southern England with a notable decline or reduction in Scotland. In Scotland it’s illegal to plant or encourage this plant to grow in the wild in Scotland.
One thing to consider when having contractors on site at RIBA stage 5 is the potential for cross-contamination. Fragments of the plant can be easily spread on clothing or equipment, or by animals. It’s best to warn the contractors off, create an exclusion zone and include this in the Contractor’s Construction (Health & Safety) Phase Plan.
In conclusion, as a Principal Designer, it is crucial to be aware of and consider the risks associated with invasive plant species such as New Zealand Pygmyweed. These specialist and niche risks may not be identified by all contractors, so it is important to identify them early on in the project. By addressing these risks at an early stage, changes in design can be made without incurring significant expenses. Additionally, it is important to educate contractors about the potential for cross-contamination and implement measures to prevent the spread of the weed. At Safety For, we can provide assistance and support in identifying and addressing these risks to ensure a successful and safe project.